Intro:
Today is Mother’s Day and our minds have become photo albums filled with memories.  Some of those images are in color while others are black and white.  A crowded kitchen or dining room overflowing with children and grandchildren; mom running back and forth refusing to sit down until she is satisfied that everyone has what they need, may need, or could possibly want!  There are pictures of a tired, battle-worn mom asleep in the chair in the wee hours of the morning cradling a sick child.  There is that picture of mom fighting back the tears because that child, who just yesterday colored on the wall with the permanent marker and ate out of the dog’s bowl, is today walking down the aisle to be joined in marriage to another.  For some of us Mother’s Day brings a picture of family and friends gather about a graveside bidding farewell to the one who brought us into the world.

As the memories flood our minds today each of us have our own stories of tragedy and triumph.  Yet a common thread runs throughout - it is the role mom played in our lives.  I was blessed with a godly mother.  A mom who loved me and was a constant source of encouragement.  I lived a “Leave it to Beaver” childhood.  Mom was there when I came home from school.  She sat down at the table, fed me a snack and wanted to hear all about my day.  Mom was always supportive and took up for me.  Don’t misunderstand, I got my share of spankings from mom but she was well…a bit over indulgent with me.  If I was having trouble in school her attitude was, more often than not, “Well what does that school know about educating a genius?”  She was protective of me, like the time she didn’t want me to get in trouble with dad.  He told me the yard was to be mowed by the time he got home.  I was finishing up the front when he pulled in.  I thought I was home free until he looked in the backyard and mom was still working on the back.  I couldn’t sit down for awhile after that.  Looking back I realize, I am what I am in large part because of my mother’s influence.  Which serves to remind me of the importance of a mother with a godly character.  Billy Sunday said, “Give a boy a godly mother and any ol’ stick will do for a dad” - I can’t go that far but a godly mother is a great blessing.

Solomon, Israel’s wise king and the author of Proverbs, describes for us a woman of noble character.  In Proverbs 31 beginning with verse 10 and running through to the end of the chapter he describes this woman of great worth.  These 22 verses in Hebrew form an acrostic.  Each verse begins with the succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  You could say, “Here we have the total woman.  She has it all from A to Z!”  I want to focus on verses 25-31.

Text: Proverbs 31:10, 25-31
This whole section is a beautiful song of praise extolling the virtuous woman or the woman of noble character.  As we make our way through this passage we will discover that…

Thesis: Fortunate, blessed, to be envied is the family with a mother of godly character.

Let me point out three (3) things about this godly woman.

1. The mother of godly character possess an inward, quiet beauty.  (31:25, 30)
2. The mother of godly character tenderly, compassionately cares for her family.  (31:26-27)
3. The mother of godly character deserves honor and praise.  (31:28-31)

Conclusion:
Today is Mother’s Day and what we are doing is thoroughly biblical.  Setting aside time to honor and pay tribute to our mothers is a proper and fitting thing.  When was the last time you praised your mother?  When was the last time you expressed appreciation for all she did for you and all she has given you?  She is worthy of your praise.  Oh, she may not be perfect.  She may not always be right.  She may have made mistakes but she’s been there for you.  Loving you, caring for you, praying for you.  Why not let her know you appreciate her?

I think God for a mother and a wife who exemplify this passage.  I have to agree with Solomon, “A excellent wife (woman of noble character) who can find?  She is far more precious than jewels.”

“Pastor, your right.  That would be a beautiful thing.  You were blessed but that’s not my experience.  Honestly, my mother was none of those things.”  If that is your story, I’m sorry.  I’m sorry you did not have my experience but I would say to you, since you are here, someone has been some of this to you.  Somewhere along the line there was a woman of noble character in your life.  A Sunday School teacher; a teacher at school; a friend’s mom?  A grandmother?  A mother-in-law?  Give thanks and rejoice in that kindness given as the gift of God’s grace.

You may have never expressed your gratitude to that person.  Wouldn’t this be a great day to do so?  It could be you’ve never recognized it for what it was until now.  Would it be great to express it in a visit, an email, or a phone call?  Perhaps that chance is gone but you can commit to being that for someone else.

Intro:
Do you ever have a bad day?  “Duh, am I breathing?”  We all have bad days.  I had a bad day one time that lasted a month!  Life in this fallen, sin-filled world, is often hard.  There are those times when we want to say, “Lord are you paying attention?  I’m hurting here.  Things are pretty rotten.  It would be nice if you did something about it.”  Yeah, you have your bad days but what about king David?  He was doing everything right and yet Saul was determined to kill him.  He stood up to Goliath and won a great victory.  Every time he went to war God brought fame and notoriety to Israel.  Israel was becoming a major player.  The world was taking note and yet, through no fault of his own, David was marked for execution by king Saul.  That’s a bad day!  That bad day lasted for years.  From the time David took center stage in chapter 16 through the end of 1 Samuel David lived with tension.  The tension created by the fact the king rejected by God was still in power while the king chosen by God lived in exile.  It’s not fair.  It’s not right.  Yet for purposes known only to God, it was the will of God.  So much for the whole, “trust Jesus and all will be well” school of theology.

We want things neat and clean.  We like things cut and dried.  Everything in its place and everything clearly marked but that is not life in this world.  This world is filled with heartache and sorrow, struggle and stress.  Sometimes the greatest evidence of God’s presence is not that we have lived through the trail but that we are still on our feet in the midst of the trial.  1 Samuel 19 is about deliverance.  In chapter 18 we saw jealousy lift its ugly head.  Saul was furious over the song of the women, “Saul has slain his thousands, David his tens of thousands.”  Saul tried to kill David with a spear but David eluded him.  He sought to give his oldest daughter to David in marriage and to place David in a more vulnerable position is hopes of the Philistines finishing him off.  That didn’t work.  He got another chance by offering his youngest daughter in marriage and demanding David kill 100 Philistines as a dowry.  David thought it a bargain at twice the price and was successful.  This only served to enrage Saul all the more.  As chapter 19 opens Saul is finished with subtleties, now it is all out war.

Text: 1 Samuel 19:1-24

Chapter 19 gives us four accounts of God’s delivering David.
Each deliverance comes by a different means but it is all God’s doing.
We must not allow the means of deliverance to eclipse the source of deliverance.
1 Samuel 19 is a vivid reminder that…
Thesis: Our gracious God repeatedly, mercifully guards and protects His servants.

Though circumstances may seem to say otherwise, God is in control and He is present.
Chapter 19 underscores the message of the prophet Jonah, “Salvation is of the Lord.”
There are four (4) examples in our text.

1. deliverance through reason and logic.  (19:1-7)
2. deliverance through fear and instinct.  (19:8-10)
3. deliverance through diversion and cunning.  (19:11-17)
4. deliverance through divine intervention.  (19:18-24)

Conclusion:
David had not be deserted.  God had not abandoned him.  God was at work and He was present in all of what transpired.

That is our comfort and peace as the people of God.  Our deliverer has promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you.  I am with you always even to the end of the age.”

Our gracious God repeatedly, mercifully guards and protects His servants.

Intro:
The year was 1845; Sir John Franklin and a crew of 138 set sail from England to find the Northwest Passage across the high Canadian Arctic to the Pacific Ocean.  The voyage was estimated to take 2 or 3 years.  They sailed in three ships, each of which carried an auxiliary steam engine.  The problem was that they only took enough coal for twelve days.  The reason for so little coal was that they made sure they had enough room for a 1,200-volume library, a hand-organ that played fifty tunes, china place settings for all 138, cut-glass wine goblets, and sterling silver flatware.  They took no special clothing for this Arctic expedition but they were sure to take their dress uniforms from Her Majesty’s Navy.

The ships set sail amid enormous glory and fanfare.  Two months later a British whaling captain met them in Lancaster Sound and reported back to England on the high spirits of the officers and crew.  He was the last European to see them alive.  For the next twenty years search parties recovered skeletons from all over the frozen sea.  Sir John Franklin and 138 men perished because they underestimated the requirements of the Arctic exploration.  Instead of recognizing the treacherous conditions that lay ahead, they ignorantly imagined a pleasure cruise.  They exchanged necessities for luxuries and it cost them their lives.

Tragically many have made shipwreck of their souls because they refused to count the cost.  They set sail on a great adventure with no idea of what was required of them.  Others have run aground because they were urged to “try Jesus” and never told of the cost of following Him.  Like a boy watching a military parade who is carried away by shining guns, bright medals and impressive uniforms.  He was eager to join but gave no thought to war, blood, pain, suffering, death or unmarked graves.  Oh there is joy and peace, meaning and purpose to be found when following Jesus – but there is also a price to be paid.  One thing is for certain – Jesus made it clear to those who wanted to follow Him that there was a cost for following.  That’s what I want us to consider this morning as we consider Luke 14:25-33.

Text: Luke 14:25-33

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem.
The time has come – the time for which he came into the world.
The crowds are still flocking to him.
The religious establishment is becoming increasingly furious.
Tensions are mounting.

Jesus is just leaving the home of a Pharisee following an interesting and revealing dinner party.

His words to the gathering multitude serve as a sobering reminder to those who would be followers, he makes it abundantly clear that:

Thesis: Discipleship demands wholehearted devotion rather than a token commitment.

This is an important and timely word for us in our culture of “easy-believeism.”  Too much of what goes on in evangelism today could be described as “Burger King evangelism” – evangelism that says, “have it your way!”  But when it comes to salvation and discipleship, there is only one way – his way!

There are three things I want us to note in our text concerning the nature of wholehearted devotion.

1. Wholehearted devotion sets proper priorities.  (14:25-26)
2. Wholehearted devotion embraces a lifestyle of continual sacrifice.  (14:27)
3. Wholehearted devotion gladly surrenders all for the sake of the call.  (14:28-33)

Conclusion:
So, you call yourself a disciple of Christ.  You are Christ’s follower?

What are your priorities?  “If you don’t hate father and mother, wife and children, brother and sister, even your own life – you cannot be my disciple.”
What about your life?  “If you do not carry your cross and follow me – you cannot be my disciple.”

What about your all?  “If you do not give up everything you have – you cannot be my disciple.”

Intro:
I don’t like clutter.  I’m not fanatical about it but I am a straightener.  If you come into my office you will generally find things neat and in order but whatever you do - don’t open a draw!  You see my neatness only goes so far.  Out of sight out of mind.  I want the appearance of neat and orderly.  I’m the same way with life.  I like it neat and orderly.  I want things to be the way they are “supposed” to be.  The problem, of course, is that life is seldom as it is supposed to be.  Thus I’m not averse to rearranging the facts to give the appearance all is well.  When it comes to matters of faith we want things clean.  If you love and serve the Lord all will be well.  Good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people.  That’s the way it works in the fantasy world unfortunately we live in the real world, a world marred by sin, corrupted by the Fall.  In this world it rains on the just and the unjust.  In this world righteous suffer, often through no fault of their own.  Such is the case in our text this evening.

He was the youngest child in the family.
As such he was given the menial task of shepherding the family’s flocks.
One day the prophet of God showed up and anointed him king of Israel!

Some time later he visited the front lines of a battle between Israel and their arch enemy the Philistines.  When he arrived he could not believe his eyes.  The giant Goliath stood mocking the armies of the living God.  Not once, but twice a day for 40 days.  The army of Israel cowered in silence while their king did nothing.  You know the story - David defeated Goliath, the army of Israel then routed their enemy and everyone rejoiced.

David now moves center stage in the story but not to live happily ever after.  His is a roller coaster existence filled with highs and lows, twists and turns.  A man blessed of God, the object of great affection on the part of some and great hostility on the part of others.  A man after God’s own heart and yet a man flawed and broken.  This evening I want us to focus on chapter 18 as the biblical writer helps us to learn that…

Thesis: In a fallen, twisted world the blessing of God brings both profound joy and unexpected heartache.

Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-30

There are three things I want to call to your attention from this text.

1. The blessing of God brings about a profound friendship.  (18:1-5)
2. The blessing of God leads to a smoldering resentment and increasing hostility.  (18:6-16)
3. The blessing of God results in a mocking gesture of love and respect.  (18:17-30)

Conclusion:
I wish I could say, “Just love Jesus and everything will be alright.”  The truth is faith in Christ does not eliminate your struggles in fact it will create quite a few struggles of its own!  The promise is not a stress-free existence and smooth sailing but rather God’s presence in the midst of the storm.  Our peace and comfort are anchor in the “greater David” who himself knew the joy and unexpected heartache of God’s favor.  His life produces the response of both profound love and intense hatred.  It is one of the reason why we long for His appearing.  It is why all of creation groans for the new heaven and the new earth.  In the meantime we find our peace and rest in the person of the Lord Jesus.

Intro:
Do you ever get the feeling that we are fighting a losing battle?  Ever feel like you’re beating your head against the wall when you try to talk to others about your faith and about biblical truth?  The world is changing.  The culture is shifting.  The Judeo-Christian worldview is losing it’s grip on the American conscience.  Our faith is increasingly mocked and with greater intensity.  While in the past those who did not attend church were respectful of the church and its teaching that is no longer the case.  The “tolerant crowd” is no longer tolerant of our views.  The new atheism is a militant and aggressive strain that will not be satisfied until the culture is purged of any hint of biblical Christianity.  We are heading to a showdown.  Lines are being drawn.  Positions are being marked off and we are being faced with a choice.  Will we stand our ground or be coward into silence?  Will we march on under the banner of the cross or will we flee from the presence of our enemy?

There he stood.  Powerful.  Majestic.  Intimidating.  For 40 days he had taunted the army of Israel.  40 days he mockingly called for a worthy opponent to come forward and fight.  Israel’s “mighty men” were reduced to frightened children.  Their king in search of the “panic button.”  Then came the shepherd boy on his father’s errand.  “What’s going on?”  “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?”  Thus began the epic battle between David and Goliath.  It is a familiar story, possibly one of the first Bible stories you learned.  The problem is this text is often misunderstood and misapplied.  Too often it is used merely as an example bravery.  We are told to trust God as we face our own Goliaths but is that the point of the text?  When dealing with a narrative text it is important to look for reoccurring words or themes.  Such words may be a clue to the author’s intent.  In 1 Samuel 17 there is such a reoccurrence.  Six times (10, 25, 26 (twice), 36 and 45) we find the word “reproach” or one of its derivatives.  Goliath consistently mocked, defied and reviled God’s name.  That becomes the key for understanding this encounter as we learn a valuable lesson in faith-filled courage.

Text: 1 Samuel 17:1-54

17:1-3 sets the context.
The Philistines were Israel’s arch enemy throughout this period.
The inspired narrator paints this dramatic scene for us.
Both armies draw up for battle.
Standing on either side of this great valley.
The location is about 12-14 miles west of Bethlehem.
Socoh and Azekah were strong points on the south side of the valley.
Israel is on the opposite side.

17:4-7 gives us our first glimpse of Goliath of Gath, the Philistine champion.

Listen to his taunt - 17:8-10.

Now David is introduced 17:12-18.

Here is what I want us to note from this passage:

Thesis: In a world marked by God-denying, God-defying arrogance we are called to lives of faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion.

There are three things I want to point out.

1. Faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion are inflamed by a passion for God’s glory.  (17:26)
2. Faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion are anchored in the certainty of God’s enabling.  (17:34-37)
3. Faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion have as their goal the glory and honor of God.  (17:41-54)

Conclusion:
Do you feel inadequate?  Good!
You say you’re not equipped?  Wonderful!
You are just the kind of person God is looking for.

Ask Paul:
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
9 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.   2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Your battle will not likely come with a giant on the field of battle with opposing armies looking on.  It will most often come up on the office as God’s name is taken in vain and you dare confront the offender.  For me it may come when I refuse to perform a wedding because I believe it violates Scripture.  The confrontations will come.  The only question is whether you will go forth with faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion or will you cower in silence and fear.

Intro:
It’s what stirred the heart of the old sea captain as he wrote, “Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”  It was the thing that broke the shackles that bound the sin-laden heart of Martin Luther.  It is that which loosed the pen of the apostle Paul as he wrote to a world held captive by ritual and superstition, “…by grace are you saved through faith” and “…it is not to the one who works but to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”  The gospel.  God’s gift of forgiveness, life and righteousness to all who believe.  It is an amazing message.  One that seems too good to be true, in fact it seems foolish to those who are perishing but it is life to those who believe.  How can sinful men be made right with God?  How is that those who are deserving of God’s judgment and wrath can be loved and accepted?  The answer is found in the gospel.

Today is Easter.  Churches are filled as people gather for the annual celebration.  But why are we here?  What are we celebrating?  Central to our faith is the person of Jesus Christ.  The Bible is clear, Jesus is uniquely the Son of God (John 1:1-4, 14).  As Jesus enter into public ministry (around the age of 30) John the Baptist pointed to Him and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  For three years Jesus lived and ministered in Palestine.  The Gospels record His teachings and miracles.  After years of mounting threats and increased hostility He is finally arrested, charged and executed.  Three days later He rose triumphantly from the grave.  Easter is the celebration of the resurrection.

Okay, we are celebrating the resurrection.  Christ rose from the dead.  But why does it matter?  Is it worth celebrating?  In answer to that I invite you to turn in your Bibles to Romans chapter 5 and we will begin at verse 12.

Text: Romans 5:12-21

This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest theological passages in the entire Bible.  In a sense Paul is summarizing the theology of the preceding chapters dealing with man’s lostness and his rescue through God’s provision.

It is also a very difficult passage.  Paul’s thoughts seem to rush on one to another without leaving a clear or carefully formed expression.  Anders Nygren says Paul’s thoughts flow like a “torrential mountain stream.”  Or you might say, “It’s kind of like drinking from a fire hose!”  But, if you break it down and work your way through it, this is a glorious restatement of the truth Paul has been driving home.

Note the progress in thought from the misery of man’s ruin in sin to the wonder of God’s deliverance through Christ to the sovereign and triumphant reign of grace.

As we work our way through this passage I want to point out three things along the way.

1. First, I want you to see sin’s universal and devastating ruin.  (5:12-14)
2. Second, note Christ’s amazing and overwhelming reversal of sin’s ruin.  (5:15-19)
3. Finally I want you to see that this is all because of grace’s sovereign and victorious reign over sin.  (5:20-21)

Conclusion:
This is the gospel.  No matter how great your sin - God’s grace superabounds to you!  No one is beyond the grace of God.  You can come to Him.  You can know His grace.  Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

Intro:
How do you engage a world in love with novelty and the spectacular?  When people pride themselves on their intelligence and yet daily proves the reality of Paul’s word to the church at Corinth – “The world does not know God through its wisdom?”  A place of great learning and culture yet filled with superstition and idolatry?  A strange mixture of religion and paganism.  A world not at all concerned about God in general or the Gospel in particular.  By the way, I’m not describing our culture.  I’m talking about the city of Athens – 2000 years ago when the apostle Paul strolled into town.

Paul having been run out of town following a brief but successful ministry in Thessalonica, made his way to Berea.  There the noble Bereans search the Scripture daily to test the truth of Paul’s message.  The result was that a great many came to saving faith.  But that band of thugs from Thessalonica came to Berea and drove Paul further west to the great city of Athens.  Athens was an important city in the ancient world.  Of course its heyday was several hundred years prior to the coming of Paul.  Athens was, at one time, the cultural center of the world.  While clearly on the decline it was still the leading intellectual center of Paul’s day.  Home to the “golden age” of philosophy in the 4th and 5th centuries Athens was also known for its great literature, art and architecture.  It was to this cultured, intelligent, religious, pagan city that Paul came preaching the Gospel.

Luke had stayed behind in Philippi.  Silas and Timothy were left at Berea and Paul alone traveled to Athens.  While waiting their arrival, Paul began reasoning with the Jews in the Synagogue.  It is from Paul’s ministry in this diverse, cultured city that we learn some valuable lessons for our own ministry.  Our text is found in the 17th chapter of Acts.

Text: Acts 17:16-34

Paul brought the gospel to the commercial center of Thessalonica.
He then traveled to the backwater, one horse town of Berea.
Now he comes to the cultured city of Athens.

Athens provides a model for us with its diversity.  We live in a diverse culture.  For years we in this country, particularly here in the “Bible Belt”, lived in a monolithic culture.  We looked alike, walked alike, talked alike, thought and worshiped alike.  Not so anymore.  The world has come to us and they’ve brought their own ways and culture.  Due to the inroads of secular thinking and an increasingly humanistic perspective – “the times they are a changing.”  This is not your father’s America.  What must we do to impact this culture?

Many today are arguing that we jettison the past in order to reach the minds and hearts of our neighbors, friends and coworkers.  But I ask, “Is that necessary?”  In our obsession to be relevant and “cutting edge” are we failing to appreciate the relevance of our past?  Must we embrace the “new and improved” will tossing out the “tried and tested?”

I’d like to suggest a return to the 60’s.  No, not the 1960s, 1860s or the 1660s – I’m advocating that we return to the time of the apostles.  When we do we will recognize that:

Thesis: The lifeblood of a New Testament church is to engage in authentic Gospel ministry.

There is widespread agreement about that statement.  People of divergent theological views would equally affirm the truth of what I just said.  Of course we don’t all mean the same thing by that statement!  As we explore our text we will discover what the New Testament teaches us about Gospel ministry.

There are three things I want to call to your attention.

1. Corruption and perversion within a community burdens and emboldens Gospel ministry.  (17:16-21)
2. Authentic Gospel ministry demands that we passionately proclaim the simple truths of the Gospel.  (17:22-31)
3. Success in Gospel ministry is measured by obedience and faithfulness not numerical results.  (17:32-43)

Conclusion:
The times, they are a changing.  Our diverse, secular and increasingly pagan, culture may make us want to run to the hills.  But we must respond with an authentic Gospel ministry.
One that:

Is burdened and emboldened by corruption and perversion within a community.
Passionately proclaims the simple truths of the Gospel.
And measures its success by obedience and faithfulness not numerical results.

Intro:
Fairy tales are great because they are simple.  Characters are clearly defined.  There is good and evil and you know which is which.  The same was true for classic westerns.  Good guys wore white hats while bad guys wore black.  There was right and there was wrong.  The hero saved the town, kissed the girl and rode off into the sunset on his trusty mount.  Life was simple then.  Oh and 1950 sitcoms, there was no problem that could not be solved within 30 minutes!  Sure there were crisis but Eddie Haskell never got away with it and the Beaver learned his lesson and all was well.  No wonder we want to go back to those simpler days.  The problem is life is not a fairy tale, a classic western or a 50’s sitcom.  Life has never been that simple.  Neither has faith.  There is a fondness in the church for formulas.  We like to think things fit into neat categories and truth is always black and white but the reality is, the life of faith is more complicated than that.  The God who thunders from Sinai, who sets the stars in place, who controls all things by the power of His might just won’t fit into a box.  No matter what the color, shape or size.  Often when we read the Scriptures we are left scratching our heads and wondering, “Why did God do it that way?”  “How does that advance the kingdom?”  “Boy, I never saw that coming.”  That seems especially true to me when reading 1 Samuel.  Regularly I’m met with unexpected twists and turns.  I’m forced to acknowledge, “His ways are not my ways neither are His thoughts my thoughts.”  “Samuel they are not rejecting you, in their demand for a king, they are rejecting me.  So give them a king.”  What?  The enemy has an overwhelming force.  They are advancing.  Your army is deserting.  Samuel hasn’t shown up.  Everything is going to be lost.  The nation will be destroyed.  I must act - so Saul makes sacrifice to God and seeks His intervention.  God’s response?  “I reject you as king.”  Why?  What he did seemed reasonable, given the circumstances.  He obeyed, within reason.  Rejected?  Really?  His ways are not our ways neither are His thoughts our thoughts.  This evening we continue our walk through 1 Samuel as we come to chapter 16.

Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-23

God decisively rejected Saul as king:

1 Samuel 13:14 - But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.

1 Samuel 15:28 - And Samuel said to him, The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you.

God’s choice of a a replacement was decisive - yet it would be a dozen years or more before he would be king.  In the meantime the story is filled with twists and turns and joys and heartaches not to mention a few troubling scenes.  Here in chapter 16 we learn who that replacement will be.  Along the way we discover some important truths about God, his ways and the life we are called to live.

This chapter serves to remind us that…

Thesis: The life of faith is not a “cut and dried,” black and white existence.  It is a full color, adventure filled journey guided by His loving, righteous and sovereign hand.

There are three things I want to point out.

1. God has not, and will not abandon His people.  (16:1-5)
2. God delights in choosing the weak and simple to confound the strong and wise.  (16:6-13)
3. Both God’s wrath and His grace are worked out in the colorful mess of our lives.  (16:14-23)

Intro:
“From the sound of things it must be a great party.  Listen to the laughter, the music and the singing.  Would you look at those tables.  I’ve never seen such a feast.  The king spared no expense on this lavish affair.  Nothing is too good for his Son.  Oh look.  Over there, the King and His Son certainly seem to be enjoying the feast.  But wait a minute.  Something is not right.  Look at the guests.  How did these people get in here?  Over there, isn’t that the blind beggar who sits at the city gate?  Over there, isn’t that a leper?  And there – a prostitute?  And, no it can’t be.  A tax collector?  What is this?  I don’t believe it.  I could never imagine such a motley crew at such and elegant banquet.  Something is wrong here.  Something is very wrong.

That would have been the reaction of the religious establishment if they had walked up on a banquet like the one described by the Lord Jesus in our text this morning found in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 22.

Text: Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus has dramatically declared himself the Messiah.
In dramatic fashion he enter Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9).
He showed himself as “Lord of the Temple.”
First by “cleansing it” and then by teaching the people.

He has proven his authority first by not being intimidated and second by his stern rebuke of the religious establishment.

His time had come.
That time established, by the Father, in eternity past.
History’s pivotal moment has come.
Sharp lines are now being drawn.
Light and darkness are now coming into focus.

Make sure you put this parable in its context.
The Jewish leaders despise the Lord Jesus.
They are determined to kill him.
They are asking questions, not because they desire to learn, they are seeking to trap him.  They are wanting something they can use against him.  Something that will enable them to turn the crowd against him or that can be used to charge him with a capital offense against Rome.

Remember the parable of the Tenants - 21:33-44.
Look at 21:43 – “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”

21:45 – the religious establishment knew he was talking about them.

The context is the taking of the Kingdom from those who were “the people of God.”

Sometimes we find parables that offer us great difficulties.
We wrestle with understanding them.
Not so with this parable.
It is plain.  Disturbingly plain!

In this parable our Lord is talking about life in the Kingdom.  In particular, about our response to His gracious invitation to life.  It speaks of God’s gracious offer and man’s arrogant indifference.  It speaks of hell and judgment.  It warns of those who would attempt to enter glory on their own merit.  It speaks of the height, the length, the breadth and the depth of the love of God.  It also speaks of the fierceness of his wrath.  And all of this is necessary for the preaching of the Gospel.

As we walk through this parable one thing is unmistakably clear:

Thesis: God’s gracious invitation demands a response.

You cannot ignore him.
You cannot remain neutral.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of that donkey – he forced people to make a choice.  He was saying, “Behold!  I am the Messiah.”  You must either agree with him or reject him.  Neutrality is not an option.

Unless we learn this – we will never be effective in evangelism.
Unless we believe this – we will never be burdened for evangelism.

Until we learn that our King has declared, “Either you are with me or you are against me” we will not be compelled to tell his story.

Make no mistake about it – this parable makes it clear – His invitation demands a response.

There are two things I want us to note in our text.

1. Those who reject God’s gracious offer, do so to their own peril.  (22:1-7)
2. Those who accept God’s gracious invitation enter into a joyous, abundant life.  (22:8-14)

Conclusion:
What will you do with Christ?
God’s invitation demands a response.
To reject him – is to invite the judgment of God.
To accept him – is to enter into life eternal and life abundant.

The banquet is ready – come!

Intro:
It the kind of thing that is easily dismissed as a relic from former days.  People don’t give it a whole lot of thought any more.  In fact it conjures up images that are laughable to most.  Images of a red-faced preacher, arms flailing, voice thundering as he warns of the coming judgment of God.  Most moderns dismiss such images.  Others get nostalgic about former days listening to the evangelist as they fanned themselves with paper fans provided by the local funeral home.  But the evangelist’s voice is faded.  His warning a distant memory.  We don’t like to think in terms of judgment.  All that talk of hell and giving an account is depressing.  We would rather think about tapping into our unlimited potential.  We prefer to think of how we can get the most out of life.  But the fact is – there is a coming judgment.

The New Testament expressly declares “He has appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31).  Peter warns of the “day of judgment”.  And Jude speaks of “that great day.”  John, in the Revelation, speaks of “the great day of wrath.”  The apostle Paul reminds us of “the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” and of “the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.”  Yes, there is coming a judgment.  Such a day does not demand shouting, shaking a fist or a threatening tone.  Rather it demands a sober warning through tears.  I’ve listened to preachers in the past that spoke of this coming judgment and the awful events surrounding it and they spoke as if they enjoyed the idea.  The fact of the matter is I would just as soon not deal with it – but to remain silent would be to fall into the category of the black-hearted false prophets who cried, “Peace” when there was no peace.  The coming judgment is real and we must plead that all men prepare for that day.  The truth of judgment and hell is not just about doctrine, it is about destiny.  When you go to lunch here in a little while.  I want you to take a look around the restaurant.  Listen to the laughter.  Look at the people around the room.  The wait staff.  Then think, “A large percentage of these folks will one day be in hell.”  Our text this morning is found in Matthew chapter 25.

Text: Matthew 25:31-46

We are in the final days of the life and ministry of our Lord.
He has deliberately chosen to come to Jerusalem at this time.
For his time has come.
That time ordained by his Father in eternity past.
Redemption draws nigh.
The door to the kingdom is about to be thrown open.
As he approach the city he wept over it.
“Oh Jerusalem, how I long to gather your children unto myself but you would not…”
He entered the city triumphantly as the Messiah.
He assumed his rightful place as Lord of the temple.
He silenced his critics.
He spoke of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and of his coming again.

Then, through the use of parables, he taught us to live expectantly, wait patiently and work diligently.

Now he tells us what will happen when he comes.

Throughout the Gospels he has talked of owners or masters going away and then settling accounts when they returned.  Now he tells about settling accounts when He comes again.

Many find this passage disturbing.  They think of God as a benevolent grandfather who only does “good” for people.  That he is never really angry with us.  He would never harm us in any way.  So when Jesus speaks these words it seems “wrong.”  Remember our Lord said, “I did not come to bring peace, but to bring a sword.”  We often talk about the infinite grace of God.  But it is not infinite.  It has a limit.  As of now his grace is extended to all.  “It rains on the just and the unjust.”  He offers life and hope to all who will believe.  But there is coming an end to that offer.  There is coming a day when the opportunity will be gone.  In that day all will stand before him and give and account for the life lived in the flesh.

Concerning that day, we learn:

Thesis: The return of Christ marks the end of the day of grace and announces the beginning of the Day of Judgment.

His coming will bring great joy to some and great sorrow for others.  Just as the virgins of verses 1-13, for those prepared it will be glorious.  For those unprepared it will be disastrous.

Think of it, these words are being spoken by the one and only Son of the Living God, days before he will be beaten and crucified as he gives his life a ransom for those who believe.  This sovereign judge is about to become the sacrificial lamb.  He will stand silent before his accusers.  He will not say a word as a petty ruler stands in judgment over him.  This poor, itinerate rabbi, will one day sit in judgment over nations but not before he willing gives his life for those who should rightfully condemn!  This is an incredible moment.

As we consider this text there are three things I want to call to your attention.

1. The return of Christ will bring great joy to some.  (25:31-40)
2. The return of Christ will bring incredible sorrow to many.  (25:41-46)
3. At issue in this judgment is this, What have you done with the Gospel?

Conclusion: You, this morning, have heard the Gospel.  You will stand without excuse in the judgment.  What will you do?

Intro:
Choices, have you ever seen so many choices?  In everything.  Some of you remember if you wanted a car – you had a choice of color.  You could have a black one or if you prefer – you could get a one that was black.  Ice cream?  Did you want vanilla or chocolate?  Now?  You name it including onion flavored, which goes great with a slice of cheeseburger pie.  When it comes to television we now have the expanded basic cable, which means we have 50 channels with nothing on.  It seemed a lot simpler when we lived in Masham.  If we wanted to go out to eat we just had to decide if we were going to Click’s Steakhouse or the Sonic.  Now, by the time we decide where we are going to eat – they’re closed!

Ours is a consumer-oriented age.  An age in which the customer is always right.  Our motto is, “give’m what they want.”  Unfortunately that mentality has found its way into the church.  Where we are compelled to cater to the kinds of folks we desire to reach.  N the church you will see everything from “high church” to “low church” to “no church.”  Everything from robes and pipe organs to rock bands and blue jeans.  To be honest with you I’m not worried about the style of dress; I’m not all that concern with the style of worship or the type of music.  I am very concerned about the attitude and the message!

I am concerned about an attitude in worship that sets man and his wants above God and His glory.  I am concerned about an attitude that says, “God this had better be good, I’ve given up my morning to be here.”  I am concerned about a message that has strayed from the core issues of the Gospel.

Now, I’m all for seeking to meet people where they are.  I’m all for becoming all things to all men so that by all means we may save some.  I understand that.  I agree with that.  What I’m concerned about is that in the mad dash to compete with the world around us, we become so focused on “felt needs” we forget about “genuine needs.”  Do you remember the crippled man who was brought to Jesus in Capernaum?  His friends lowered him from the ceiling until he rested at the feet of Jesus.  That man and the whole crowd knew his need.  He needed to be healed.  Jesus spoke to his genuine need, “my son, your sins are forgiven.”  Meeting felt needs is fine.  Binding up the broken is essential to the work God has given us.  But what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet loose his own soul?  The primary call of the church is to preach the Gospel.  Not just any Gospel but the biblical Gospel.  That is at the heart of our text this morning found in the 13th chapter of Luke’s Gospel.

Text: Luke 13:22-35

The opening verse of our text takes us back to chapter 9 verse 51.
Our Lord is determined to go to Jerusalem.
Why?  The time has come.  The time sovereignly determined by the Father.
The work of redemption is about to take place.
It is in that context that these words are spoken.

With these words we are reminded that:

Thesis: We, in keeping with the ministry of the Lord Jesus, are called to faithfully, uncompromisingly preach the biblical doctrine of salvation.

Our Lord is on His way to Jerusalem.  Along the way He is preaching and teaching in the towns and villages.  Someone from the crowd approaches Him and asks a question.  It is a good, honest and certainly an understandable question.  In responding to the question our Lord turned to the crowd – reflected in the plural “you” – and rather than answer a speculative question dealt with the nature of salvation itself.  In His response we find three profound truths related to the heart and soul of biblical salvation.  What is biblical salvation about?  What is the nature of this salvation?  Who will be saved?  These are the issues dealt with in our Lord’s response.

1. First of all, note salvation’s intensely personal nature.  (13:22-24)
2. Second, note salvation’s sobering realities.  (13:25-28)
3. Note salvation’s universal flavor.  (13:29-30)

What is Luke’s purpose?
Writing his Gentile friend about the Lord Jesus.
Demonstrating that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of the world.
Folks will come from the East, West, North and South.
The book of Revelation says, “people from every nation, kindred and tongue.”

The message of Jesus is that salvation is the narrow way.  But the good news is that the narrow way is wide open!

“Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Intro:
The apostle Paul said, “The wages of sin is death.”  Do you believe that?  Oh sure it’s in the Bible and I know that we “believe” what the Bible says is true, but come on, do you really believe sin brings about death?  If you say that you believe it, how is that reflected in your daily life?  How does that fact affect or influence you on a daily basis?  If the consequences of sin are that far reaching, that devastating what precautions are you taking?   I’m afraid we are sloppy in our theologizing.  We have a set of doctrinal beliefs over here.  We believe them to be true.  They are solidly based in the text of Scripture but they stay over here in the category of “beliefs” and never interact with “real life” over here.  Unless this is a game we are playing, that will never do.  You cannot separate doctrine from life, belief from practice.  When building our theology we are not done until we ask the question - “So what?”  If this is true - so what?  If this is true how am I to respond?  What am I to do?  What am I to avoid?  How am I to act?  I’m afraid that because we do not often see the consequence of our sin immediately we assume there are no consequences to our actions.  The wages of sin is death - “Yeah I know one day I’m going to die and that’s because sin entered the world but that’s down the road and there’s really nothing for me to get all worked up about right now.  Besides I’m under grace.  Because of Christ I’ve been forgiven and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.  That’s Bible.  That’s Romans 8!”  Tell that to Ananias and Sapphira who fudged on their contribution record and dropped dead in the church house.  That’s Bible too.  That’s Acts chapter 5!  The sign of a depraved society, according to Romans 1, is that there is no fear of God before their eyes.  Sin is serious business for the pagan and for the believer.

This evening I want us to consider what happened to king Saul and what it teaches us about the subtlety of sin and its devastating consequences.  Our text is found in chapter 13 of 1 Samuel.

Text: 1 Samuel 13:1-23

Israel clamored for a king.
“We want a king like the nations around us.”
Monarchy was “in” and Israel didn’t want to be left out.
We know, by revelation from God, their desire for a king was a rejection of God’s sovereignty.
They mistakenly thought if we have a king we’ll have more say.
God made it clear both Israel and her king will be under His sovereign control.
Both Israel and her king will be accountable to the law of God.
Obey and there will be blessing.
Disobey and there will be consequences.
Saul is anointed king in a private ceremony (9:27-10:1).
Saul later is publicly declared Israel’s king (10:20-26).
God uses Saul to defeat Nahash and the Ammonites and Saul is affirmed king (11:12-15).

Both the king and the people are commanded to obey the Lord or suffer the consequences    (12:24-25).

Now listen to the God’s prophet…

And Samuel said to Saul, You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.
But now your kingdom shall not continue.  The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you. (1 Samuel 13:13-14)

What happened?
What great evil was done?

As we explore the 13th chapter the message is clear.

Thesis: The tragic downfall of king Saul reminds us of the devastating consequences of sin.

There are two things I want to point out.

1. Sin’s subtle nature.  (13:1-12)
2. Sin’s devastating consequences.  (13:13-23)

Conclusion:
Saul obeyed the Lord - for the most part.
He only inserted his own will when necessary.
It cost him his kingdom.
It brought judgment upon his house.

Sin is a serious matter.  Sin is rebellion against God.  It is an open act of defiance and there is a price to pay.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
The wages of sin is death.
But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Intro:
What images come to your mind when you picture the Lord Jesus?  He is history’s greatest figure.  The most unique individual to ever walk the earth.  All of history turns on His person.  More has been written about Him than about any other figure in the history of the world.  Great men have pledged their lives and fortunes to Him.  Men have turned their backs on wealth and fame in order to follow Him.  Followers have died the deaths of martyrs out of devotion to Him.  Yet, for history’s greatest character there remains a great deal of misunderstanding and misinformation.

When you think of Jesus – what do you think about?  How do you picture Him?  I guess I’m asking you what Jesus asked his disciples when He said, “Who do you say that I am?”  To some He is the “cosmic kill-joy” robbing life of it’s fun and pleasure.  To others He is a stern and unyielding judge.  Some consider Him a good moral teacher.  Some consider him a misguided lunatic!  Even within the church you get mixed signals concerning His temperament and His person.

As we explore this question there is but one reliable source - the Word of God.  The Scripture is the only place we can find a trustworthy and reliable information for our consideration.

We find ourselves in that period of time following the resurrection and preceding His ascension.  Jesus has appeared to His followers at various times and places.  Without warning He would suddenly be in their midst.  The disciples where both excited and confused.  On the one hand they were overjoyed that the crucified one was alive.  They saw Him with their own eyes.  They heard Him with their own ears – there was no question in their mind or heart.  But they still were not sure what to make of it.  They still did not know how this all fit together.  It was a time of restlessness.

Our text this morning is found in John’s Gospel chapter 21.

Text: John 21:1-19

This final chapter in John’s Gospel serves as a postscript.  John told us in chapter 20 why he had written.  “There are other signs Jesus performed that are not written here.  These are written that you may know that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that you may have life by believing in him.”  John has already provided proof of the resurrection.  The purpose of this chapter is not to prove the resurrection but to reveal something of the Risen One.

21:1 serves as the key to the chapter.

“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.”

John, in repeating the word “showed” in verse one indicates that this is the emphasis or point of the chapter.  Jesus is manifesting himself.  The word means to “make known” to “expose” or to “reveal.”  Also implied in the language John uses is the fact that this is an intentional act on His part.  Jesus did what He did in order to reveal something specific to the disciples.  This is an intentional revelation design to reveal something about the character and the heart of the Lord Jesus.

Thesis: The Risen Lord reveals Himself as the gentle Shepherd and the loving Savior.

Jesus had said back in John 10 that He was the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.  He said that no one takes His life but that He lays it down.  He also said – if He laid it down He would take it up again.  The resurrection proved that Jesus is Lord even over death and the grave.  He is the conqueror and king.  But He specifically reveals His gentleness and love in our text.

There are two things I want you to note in our text.

1. I.  The Risen Lord demonstrates His devotion to His own by thoughtfully, lovingly, meeting their needs.  (21:1-14)
2. II.  The Risen Lord demonstrates His heart for the world in commissioning His own to love and service.  (21:15-19)

Conclusion:
Jesus came to the shores of Galilee that day with an agenda.  He came to reveals some important facts about himself.  He came to reveal His loving, tender provision for His own and His love for the world in His challenge to Peter.

Intro:
There are two popular misunderstandings about the character of God common in the church.  I say misunderstandings because both are a distortion in that they present one aspect of the truth to the exclusion of other aspects.  I say they are common because I know a great number of folks who hold to these views.  Few hold to them as their doctrinal conviction but hold them nevertheless in practice.   One is to view God as the overindulgent grandfather.  This is the God who thunders from Sinai and yet winks at our sin.  Sure sin is wrong, it is bad, we ought not to do it but we are under grace and God always forgives our sin.  To often these folks presume upon the grace of God rather than rest in God’s grace.  Their approach to the confession of sin is to say, “Oh, my bad.  Sorry about that.”  Then go merrily on their way not expecting there to be any consequence to their actions.  On the other hand there are those who tremble before the God of the great big stick!  These folks take the thunder from Sinai seriously.  Often these believers know little or nothing of the joy of salvation.  They constantly fear they’ve not done enough.  They worry that perhaps they sinned unknowingly or have failed to account for and confess every wrong.  Both views are a distortion and both fail to present the God of Scripture.  Your doctrine of God, your understanding of God’s character and nature are critical to your Christian living.  How you understand God and His dealings with His creation have a profound affect on how you live daily.  We are all prone to excess.  We all tend to emphasize one truth above another.  Balance is not our strong suit but balance is the goal.  God is love.  Yet love is not the sum total of who God is.  God is also holy, transcendant, set apart, distinct and different.  God loves us and thus is merciful, kind and gracious.  Yet God is holy and thus righteous standards are maintained and justice will be upheld.  God loves us and thus lowers himself to be in relationship with us and yet unrighteousness cannot stand in His presence.  So how does God deal with us and our sin?  How does He love and yet maintain righteousness?  In seeking to better understand, we turn to the Old Testament and see how God responded to Israel in the face of their rebellion.

Text: 1 Samuel 12:1-25

The people of Israel demanded a king like the nations around them.
Samuel privately anointed Saul as king and then later declared him king publicly.
Yet Saul didn’t do anything “kingly” for quite awhile.

In fact he just went home and picked up his farming duties until the imminent threat from the Ammonites called for action (11).

Chapter 11 ends with a brief description of a renewal ceremony in Gilgal

So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.  (11:15)

Chapter 12 is a more detailed account of that gathering.  We are given some insight into what was said on that occasion and what it meant to renew the kingdom.

The ESV has a title over chapter 12 that says, “Samuel’s Farewell Address.”
It is true Samuel takes a backseat and the kings move front and center but Samuel isn’t gone.
He continues his ministry as is made plan in the text and the fact he’s seen later in the story.

For our purpose this evening, here is what I want you to see…

Thesis: The gathering of the people of God at Gilgal for renewal and repentance reminds us of our need to bring the whole counsel of God to bear on our understanding of God’s response to our sin and rebellion.

There are 3 things I want to point out.

1. God graciously confronts our sin.  (12:1-15)
2. God graciously reminds us of His power and His intent to hold us accountable.  (12:16-19)
3. Our God lovingly offers the Gospel when we become convinced of the righteousness of His divine judgment.  (12:20-25)

Conclusion:
Is God loving?
Yes but not the exclusion of His holiness.
Is God holy?
Yes but not the exclusion of His love.

Because He is gracious God confronts our sin.
Because He is gracious He reminds us of His power and His intent to hold us accountable.
Because He is loving He offers the Gospel when we become convinced of the righteousness of His divine judgment.

The gathering of the people of God at Gilgal for renewal and repentance reminds us of our need to bring the whole counsel of God to bear on our understanding of God’s response to our sin and rebellion.

Intro:
I have a birthday this week.  I’m getting old.  I know I’m not as old as I look or feel.  My last physical my doctor said I wasn’t in bad shape for a man my age.  I said, “Doctor, I’m only 51.”  He looked at me and said, “You’re kidding!”  I’ve noticed something as I’ve gotten older – I’m far more skeptical then I used to be.  There is something about experience that turns you into a cynic.  They say middle age is that time when your broad mind and narrow waist change places and I guess that’s true.  I’ve become quite a pessimist.  When I hear about some injustice or someone swindled and I say, “Well of course, what did you expect – people are jerks!”  This, by the way, is a wonderful quality in a pastor – very helpful in pastoral counseling and when comforting others!

I guess that is why, as I get older, I have more and more sympathy for Thomas “the doubting disciple.”  I’m convinced that Thomas has received a bad rap over the years.  When you mention Thomas – immediately people remember the doubting.  He went on to make a great confession – but folks emphasize his doubting not his faith.  This morning I want us to take a look at Thomas and see what happened to move him from a doubter to a confessor.

Text: John 20:24-29

The last week had been a blur.
It was on that Thursday night as Jesus and His followers met in the upper room to celebrate the Passover that the strange events began to take place.
It started when Jesus put that towel around His waist and washed their feet.
It continued during dinner with talk of death and rising again.
There was talk that one of those at the table had already betrayed Him.
There was that eerie sense surrounding the Garden of Gethsemane.
The anger and hostility of the arrest.
The injustice and brutality of the trials.
The horror of the crucifixion.
The strange and wonderful stories of an empty tomb and appearances by the risen Lord.

We do not know where Thomas was, but we know he was not with the others on the evening of Resurrection Day.  Some have criticized him for that calling him a coward.  I don’t think that was it at all.  I that think in bitter sorrow he wanted to be alone in his grief.  Don’t forget back when Jesus said it was time to go to Jerusalem – the others pleaded with Him not to go because of threats on His life.  It was Thomas who spoke up and said, “Let’s go to Jerusalem and die with Him!”  (John 11:16)

To Thomas the cross was the inevitable result of this trip to the holy city.  Now, overcome with sorrow, Thomas shunned the crowd.  Perhaps out of shame – he did not want to be with the others.  Remember he had said, “let us go and die with Him” – then Thomas ran along with the others.  He was as guilty as Peter in his denial.

Thomas did what many of us do in the midst of our pain and heartache.  We withdraw.  We do not want to be with others – we’ll handle it on our own.  In the midst of our pain we need the comfort, support and encouragement of others more than ever.  We need the body of Christ.  Thomas was not present with the others and thus he missed the appearance of the Lord.  He has certainly heard about it and now he is present with them one week later.

When again they are behind locked doors.  The risen Lord is again suddenly in their midst and we discover:

Thesis: Doubts vanish in the presence of the Living Lord.

Watch as a process unfolds in our text.
We begin with Thomas, obstinate in unbelief, who then is moved to exuberant faith.

There are three things I want you to note as we move along.

1. First of all, note the doubt caused by shortsighted faith.  (20:24-25)
2. Now, note how the risen Lord lovingly, graciously challenged his honest doubt. (20:26-27)
3. In the face of undeniable proof pessimism gives way to vibrant faith.  (20:28)

Intro:
It’s a common problem.  It afflicts most of those who serve on church staffs.  It’s a little thing called “preacher’s tongue” or “liaritis.”  Its symptoms are exaggerated statistics and inflated numbers.  Those who suffer from this malady appear normal.  The problem is they are compelled to exaggerate their own importance!

The malady is not limited to pastors or preachers, though they represent the largest single group of sufferers.  This dreaded disease is no respecter of persons – it strikes the volunteer as well as the professional.  Usually a sufferer can keep it under control until he gets around others who suffer as well.  Before long the whole group is engaged in an all out war of statistics.

The sad reality is that no one needs to suffer from this dreaded disease.  No child of God, no servant of the Church of the Lord Jesus needs to engage in such futile attempts to inflate their importance because every child of God is granted the privilege of being involved in the greatest enterprise in all the world!  To us has been granted the privilege of taking the “good news” of the Gospel to a lost and hurting world.  The world longs for meaning and significance.  People long for a reason to live.  We have the only message that can fill the aching void in their heart.  We have the only answer.  There is no more important task in the world.  This morning I want us to consider the call and commission of the Church as found in John’s Gospel chapter 20 verses 19-23.

Text: John 20:19-23

We have been walking through John’s “history with a purpose.”
We spent that final night with Jesus and His disciples in the upper room.
We witnessed His agony in the Garden.
We saw His bitter betrayal.
We witnessed the injustice of His so-called trials.
We were witnesses of the horror of the cross.
We heard His triumphant shout – “It is finished!”
We saw the confusion of the empty tomb and the glory of the Risen Lord.

Now we come to what happened later in the evening of Resurrection Day!

In verse 19 we discover that the disciples were together.

We are not told for sure but it would be natural to assume they had met again in that same upper room where they had shared the Passover meal just a few days before.

We noted that when Jesus was arrested – the disciples were scattered.  They fled for their lives.  The only mention of any of them concerns Peter and John who followed Him that night and then John is present at the cross.

Peter had denied the Lord three times, as the Lord said he would, and then disappeared in sorrow and shame.  John stayed until the bitter end.  But now they are together.  Why?  What drew them back?

The day had been filled with strange rumors and growing excitement.

It began when Mary Magdalene came to Peter and John with the news that she had gone to the tomb and the body of the Lord was gone.  Peter and John hurried to the tomb and found the grave clothes in place “still in the fold” or undisturbed and yet the body was gone.  John, we are told, “saw” (the word means perceived or understood) and thus became the first to “believe” in the resurrection.

Mary then was given the privilege of being the first to see the resurrected Lord.  Jesus said to her, “Mary, stop clinging to me and go tell my disciples that I am alive!”

We know from other scriptural accounts that Jesus sometime during that day appeared to Peter privately and encouraged and restored him.

We know that he appeared to two men traveling on the road to Emmaus.  They did not recognize Him at first.  It wasn’t until He had given them a Bible lesson and sat down at the table to eat.  As He broke the bread they saw the nail prints and realized it was Jesus.  Suddenly Jesus was gone.  The men ran back to Jerusalem to tell the others.  All of these stories were circulating, excitement was building and the disciples spontaneously met in that upper room to try and make sense of it all.

John says they met behind locked doors for fear of the Jews.  Who could blame them?  They saw the anger and the bitterness of the Jews.  They saw what they did to Jesus.  It was natural to assume they would be next.  The Jews were already saying that His followers had stolen Jesus’ body.

John tells us that “suddenly Jesus was in there midst.”  The doors were locked.  No one let Him in but there he was.  Jesus said, “Peace be with you.”  That is the common greeting.  It is the normal way Jewish folks greeted each other yet I would suggest it is something more!  Do you remember Jesus promised to give them peace (John 14:27)?  The reason I think He is making a statement is the fact that He repeats it in 20:21.  He is saying, “I’ve done everything necessary to provide you the peace I’ve promised.” Peace, God’s highest and best, be upon you.  It has become far more than a customary greeting.

He showed them His hands and His side demonstrating that He really was alive and the evidence is seen in His body.  The body that had been nailed to the cross and that had been pierced by the spear.

The text says the disciples were “glad” when they saw Jesus.  There is another one of those great understatements of the Bible.  The word means to be exuberant.  They were ecstatic – they were beside themselves.  All the fear and anxiety were gone for that moment.  Nothing else mattered in that moment because the Lord was alive.

That brings us down to verses 21-23 and that is where I want us to focus this morning.  It is here that we discover:

Thesis: The risen Lord commissions every believer to service within His kingdom.

There are three things I want us to note.

1. Christ’s Commission constitutes your call to serve. (20:21)
2. The gift of the Holy Spirit enables and empowers your service.  (20:22)
3. The Gospel is the means/method of your service.  (20:23)

Conclusion:
The work of the church is a Gospel work.

I’m not suggesting there are not other, legitimate works to be done by the church but I am saying our primary task is the preaching of the Gospel.  If we fail in Gospel work nothing else matters.

Intro:
Things are not always as they seem.  Often we discover there is more to the story than first appears.  Israel wanted a king.  A king like the nations around them.  On the one hand that seemed a logical request.  They needed a leader.  Someone to give guidance and direction.  Israel wanted to keep up with the times, after all this was not the “Dark Ages” it was the 11th century B.C. for heaven’s sake!  Monarchy was “in” and they didn’t want to be left out.  Of course what they failed to see was that they already had a king.  Yahweh, their covenant God, was their Sovereign and He provided guidance and leadership through various ones whom He inspired.  What they considered to be the reasonable advancement of an enlightened people was, in fact, an act of rebellion.  Yet God gave them a king and continued to remain faithful to His covenant in spite of their rejection.  The interesting thing is that Saul was first anointed in a private ceremony and then he told no one!  Later he is publicly drawn out and identified in dramatic fashion by the casting of lots.  The crowd affirmed God’s choice by shouting, “Long live the king!”  After some instructions about the kings’ duties they all went home - including Saul.  Saul has a job but no job description.  He is a king but has no court, no palace, no army, no government so what did he do?  He went home and resumed his work as a dirt farmer.  That’s where we pick up the story again in 1 Samuel chapter 11.

Text: 1 Samuel 11:1-15

We affirm that the Bible is true.
It is the Word of God - God-breathed, inspired.
The stories and history revealed are true and accurate.
Yet we must remember the intent of the Scripture is to reveal God to us.
God is making himself know through Scripture.

When we come to narrative passages we must not simply read the story.  We must not settle for a history lesson and about political dealings of the ancient middle east.  We must ask, “What is God revealing?  What is it He wants us to learn about ourselves and most importantly about Him and our relationship with Him?

From that perspective…

Thesis: Saul’s deliverance of the people, in his first act as king, reminds us of the real power behind Israel’s king and the need for a God-centered worldview.

It is easy to affirm the doctrine of the sovereignty of God.  After all that’s part of what it means to be God isn’t it?  He is all powerful, all knowing and everywhere present.  He created everything that exists and holds it all together by the power of His might.  He is intimately involved in His creation, intervening in the lives and circumstances of His people.  Isn’t that the basis of our praying?  We do believe prayer is more than a mental exercise right?  It’s more than a means of self awareness and a means of salving our conscience.  We pray because God hears and responds.  It actually affects what goes on in real time and space.

But how often do you actively, purposefully view and understand what is happening around us as  the work of God?

Consider what has happened in the last few chapters of 1 Samuel:
Some donkey’s got lost - God was at work.
A man sent his son to look for those donkeys - God was at work.
The search party “happened” to come across the man of God - God was at work.
Saul is privately anointed king and tells no one - God was at work.
Saul is singled out by the casting of lots - God was at work.
He went home and resumed farming - God was at work.
Now, a vicious Ammonite king is threatening Israel - and God is at work!

Some background:
The Philistines are to the west of Israel along the Mediterranean coast, the Ammonites (descendants of Lot and another of Israel’s chief enemies) are to the East and both are pressing in on and threatening Israel.

Chapter 11 is focused on the Ammonite threat as they are led by Nashan (the Serpent) who is determined to crush and humiliate Israel.  Among the Dead Sea scrolls there are copies of 1 Samuel that have an extra verse between 10:27 and 11:1:

Now Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had been grievously oppressing the Gadites and the Reubenites.  He would gouge out the right eye of each of them and would not grant Israel a deliverer.  No one was left of the Israelites across the Jordan whose right eye Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had not gouged out.  But there were seven thousand men who had escaped from the Ammonites and had entered Jabesh-gilead.

Imagine village after village filled with one-eyed men a vivid reminder of the power and cruelty of the Ammonite king.  It was a reign of terror and that’s were our story begins in 11:1.

There are 3 things I want to point out.

1. The response of the people to the threats of Nahash exposes the frailty of superficial faith and nominal commitment.  (11:1-4)
2. The Spirit’s enabling of Saul and the Spirit’s uniting the people demonstrate’s the presence of Israel’s true Savior.  (11:5-11)
3. God’s deliverance demands repentance and renewal.  (11:12-15)

Intro:
You know the movie was good when you walk out of the theatre and you are drained.  You’re not even sure you’re going to make it to the car.  You’ve been sitting for the last two hours and watching a movie but you are drained.  You are exhaust because the movie was so intense.  You traveled the whole range of emotions.  You just don’t have anything left.  You’re worn out, drained, dead on your feet and you look at your spouse and you say, “I could see that again!”

The problem is when you see that movie the second time – it’s lost something.  It is not quite as intense the second time around.  You know the hero is going to make it out alive.  You know how it is going to end.  Oh, you may still enjoy the movie but it just doesn’t compare with the first time.

There is, however, a story that never grows old.  A story so shocking, so wonderful, so vivid and so significant – that no matter how often you hear it there are aspects you’ve never explored.  There are subjects you can never exhaust.  It is the story of the cross and the resurrection.  The old, old story of how Jesus, as the Lamb of God, secured our salvation.  The story of history’s most daring rescue mission.  The story of the final battle in the cosmic war for the souls of men.

John, the beloved, took up his pen to write an account of the life and ministry of Jesus.  He tells us that the purpose of his writing is that we might know that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God and that we might have life by believing on His name.  John’s Gospel is not a biography, it is a selective history with a purpose and that purpose is to bring us to faith.  Throughout his Gospel John has referred to various “signs.”  Back in chapter 2 when Jesus cleansed the Temple at the beginning of His ministry – he was asked by the Jews to perform a sign to demonstrate His authority.  Jesus responded by saying,  “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”  On another occasion He responded to those demanding a sign – “The only sign you will be give in the sign of Jonah.”  These were references to the cross and the resurrection.  This morning we look at the “great sign” of John’s Gospel.  Our text is found in John chapters 19 and 20.

Text: John 19:31-20:18

For several weeks now we have been treading on holy ground.

We have witnessed His betrayal.
We have witnessed the hateful mocking of the soldiers.
We have witnessed the injustice of the High Priest and the Sanhedrin.
We have seen the cowardice of Pilate.

Last time we entered behind the veil in to the most holy place as the Lamb of God was slain for our sin.  Jesus, the great high priest entered into the presence of God into that tabernacle not made with human hands and offered the once and for all sacrifice for sin.  Redemption’s payment was made.  Salvation was secured.  We heard the shout of triumph as Christ the victor declared – “It is finished!”

But the story does not end there.  The story did not end with a lifeless body on the cross.  That is only part of the story.

As we explore our text we are going to discover that:

Thesis: The horror of the cross is swallowed up in the glory of the resurrection.

As the drama unfolds in our text is naturally falls into three parts.

1. Note first of all, the horror of the death of Jesus.  (19:31-42)
2. Second note, the confusion of the empty tomb.  (20:1-10)
3. Finally note the glory of the risen Lord.  (20:11-18)

Conclusion:
In a matter of hours the disciples have moved from fear to despair,  from confusion to glory running the full gamut of emotions as the drama of redemption played out.  John says, “You want proof that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God?  There is no greater proof than the cross and resurrection.

Intro:
Have you ever been shocked or surprised by the unexpected?  One of those times when something came out of nowhere and slapped you in the face?  You stagger back and think, “where did that come from?”  Or maybe someone said something you never thought you would hear them say.  You know, like you heard a politician tell the truth!  Or even more unexpected, you saw a preacher perform manual labor!  From time to time we have all been surprised.  Sometimes it is a pleasant surprise.  At other times it is a devastating surprise.

When I read the Gospels, I’m often surprised by what I see and hear.  Sometimes I see the response of Jesus and it shocks me – usually because it is so unlike they way I would have responded.  At other times I hear the words of Jesus and I think, “that can’t be right.  I must not have heard that right.  The Lord couldn’t possibly expect me to do that.”  Without a doubt the most shocking portion of scripture to me is the account of the arrest and the crucifixion of our Lord.  To see Him abandoned.  To see the injustice.  To hear the lies.  To hear the bloodthirsty mob and to see the cowardice of Pilate – I want to cry out, “No!  This can’t be.  This can’t happen.”  Yet the majestic bearing of our Lord is evidence enough that He is in complete control.  The sovereign hand of the invisible God is guiding all things to a predetermined end.  Each participant is acting according to his own choice yet playing the role determined by the Divine Author.

I want to encourage you to keep all of this in mind as we explore John’s account of the crucifixion.  Our text this morning is found in John chapter 19.

Text: John 19:17-30

We have been treading on holy ground for the last few weeks as we have moved closer and closer to the cross.

This morning we step behind the veil in to the holy of holies or the most holy place.

This is the pivotal moment in all of history.

This is why the Lord Jesus left the glory of heaven to become a man.  This is the reason for the incarnation.  This is the “hour” that Jesus kept referring to throughout His ministry.  This is the revelation of those Old Testament prophecies.  This is the reality behind the symbols of bloody sacrifice and the various offerings.  Jesus, the great high priest is about to enter in behind the veil in that tabernacle not made with hands, into the very presence of God to offer that once and for all sacrifice for the sins of man.  Redemption’s payment is being made.  Salvation is being secured.  The cross of Jesus is not a tragedy, it is a triumph!

As I read John’s account, there is something that stands out in my mind.

It is something that John has done throughout his Gospel.

John has used contrast as a literary tool.  Light and darkness, spirit and flesh have been reoccurring themes.  And there are several contrasts in his account of the cross.  That is what I would like to focus on this morning.

I want to encourage you to look closely at the cast of characters surrounding this story.  Again, you’ve heard it so often that it is difficult to see it with new eyes or hear it we fresh ears – but try to this morning.  Experience the cross this morning as we explore our text.

There are three contrasts that I want to note.

1. Note the contrast between the blindness of the religious establishment and the orthodox confession of Pilate.  (John 19:17-22)
2. Note as well, the contrast between the indifference of the Roman soldiers and the loving concern of the crucified.  (John 19:23-27)
3. Finally, note the contrast between death’s arrival and our Lord’s shout of victory.  (John 19:28-30)

Conclusion:
We’ve been talking about contrasts.  Seeing and hearing the unexpected.  That’s what is unique about the Gospel.  It is not what you might expect.  The Gospel is the “good news” of how an absolutely pure and holy God reaches out to rescue dirty, sinful, stubborn folks like you and like me.

It’s not about what you do – it’s about what He did.
It’s not about your getting your act together – it’s about your declaring spiritual bankruptcy.
It’s about justification by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone!

Intro:
It was a dramatic moment.  Tensions ran high following the fiery sermon from God’s prophet.  The people had demanded a king.  A king like the nations surrounding them.  Though it was a rejection of God’s sovereign reign, God gave them a king.  In dramatic fashion old Samuel told the people to assembly by tribes.  Through the casting of lots the tribe of Benjamin was selected.  From the tribe of Benjamin the clan of the Matrites was taken.  Finally the family of Kish and that dramatic moment when Israel’s new king was introduced…hello.  Is anyone home?  You must picture this scene.  Imagine a dramatic fanfare as the king is announced.  Every head turns the people straining for a glimpse of his royal majesty and no one appears.  His name is called again.  Nothing.  A search is made - nothing.  Finally they resort to prayer as they inquire of the Lord, “Can you please help us find our king?”  “He is over there hiding in the baggage!”  Israel has her king but perhaps he’s not like the kings of her neighbors.  Our text this evening is found in 1 Samuel chapter 10 and verses 17-27.

Text: 1 Samuel 10:17-27

1 Samuel is not about Samuel, or Saul, or David or even the kingdom…it is about God.
It is about His sovereignty, His rule, His reign, His character.
It is a reminder to us that God will accomplish His purpose in the earth.
God has a people and He has entered into covenant with them.
While they may violate that covenant, He never will.
While they may prove unfaithful, He will remain forever faithful.

In their lust to be like everyone else the people of God forgot His ways are not our ways neither are His thoughts our thoughts.  The people of God, then and now, are often blind to their own wickedness and folly.  Out of their own sinful hearts they clamored for a king and rejected the only rightful king.  Yet even in their sin they served God’s sovereign purpose.

This passage serves to remind us that God’s will is done in spite of us.
God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
What is clear in this text is that…

Thesis: Saul’s public coronation as king makes it clear that Israel’s king is like no other king.

Chapter 10:1-16 introduces us to Saul.
A handsome young man who is literally head and shoulders above all others.
His father Kish had some runaway donkeys and Saul is sent to look for them.
But we learner the seeker is actually the one sought!
Lost donkeys were just part of God’s sovereign plan.
There was a private ceremony in which Saul is anointed king.
Then he goes home and tells no one!

This is where I know Saul is different.
I don’t think I could have kept such a thing a secret.
“Hey, don’t tell anybody but I’ve been declared king.”
Saul is even asked directly - “What did Samuel tell you?”
“Oh, he told us the donkeys had been found.”

I would have taken the question to be a clear sign that God wanted everyone to know I was their new king!

As we consider this text I want to point out three things to you.  Things that are important for us to understand.

1. In their rush to be like everyone else Israel was rejecting their standing as God’s unique people.  (10:17-19)
2. God’s choice of a king and his appointment underscores Israel’s ultimate dependence upon God.  (10:20-24)
3. As Samuel establishes Israel’s monarchy, he establishes the priority of God’s law and brings division among the people.  (10:25-27)

Conclusion:
Israel’s king is like no other.

When God’s people long to be like everyone else they abandon God and His calling.
When God appoints His leader - He underscores our dependence upon Him.
We have no king other than Jesus.

Intro:
I don’t know why I did it.  It was a dumb thing to do.  It was in a weak, unthinking moment.  I actually said, “Oh go on Rheadon.  Why don’t you just get out of here?  I can handle things.  I’ll watch the baby.  I can handle it.”  She left and I said, “What do you want to do Zac?  Watch a little of the ball game – do some guy things?  It’s you and me pal.  Just the guys.”  I’m thinking how hard can this be?  He’s just a few weeks old; I’m a college graduate – a seminary man, no problem.  Things were going just fine and then all of a sudden – I noticed an odor.  What in the world?  Where is that coming from?  Suddenly I knew from whence cometh the smell.  Oh no!  I broke out in a cold sweat.  A crisis had arisen and I wasn’t sure I was up to the occasion.

Throughout the years various crises have arisen.  In each crisis I, as the husband and father, the rock, the stabilizing influence of the family, have proven my true character.  The rock of Gibraltar has consistently been reduced to a mound of Jell-O!  A crisis has a way of revealing our true nature.  In the midst of a crisis we find out what we are really made of.  We are exposed for what we are.  Not what we want to be.  Not what we want others to think we are – but what we in fact are.

Early in His ministry, the Lord Jesus angered the religious establishment.  It was clear He was not impressed by their ceremonial splendor or intimidated by their authority.  His teaching cut across the grain of their traditions.  The multitudes were flocking to Him and they saw their power base eroding.  It was in that house in Capernaum that we heard the first rumblings of the storm that would ultimately lead to Calvary.  The hour had come.  The moment set by the Father’s authority had now arrived.  God’s eternal plan of the ages was now unfolding.  The die had been cast.  Our Lord, knowing that He had already been betrayed, met with His disciples in that upper room to celebrate the Passover and to institute the new memorial meal.  He spoke with them about His coming death and His resurrection.  He told of the coming of the Holy Spirit.  He taught them about their need of abiding in Him.  He told them of the glorious place He was preparing for them and then He prayed for them.  He prayed for their protection and for unity.  Then they left the upper room, crossed the Kidron brook and into the Garden of Gethsemane.  Soon the quiet of the evening was shattered by the approaching, angry mob.  Temple police, Roman soldiers, and religious officials led by the betrayer approached Jesus and His frightened disciples.

Judas, the black-hearted disciple had sold the precious Lord of Glory for 30 pieces of silver.  The night would be a whirlwind of activity.  Shuttled from one place to another.  False accusations, lying witnesses and innumerable injustices would lead to the sentence of death.  There is that part of us that looks at the events of that evening and says, “Lord how could such a thing happen?  Where were you?  Why?”  But on the other hand we know that while each of those involved acted according to their own will, they were doing the bidding of the sovereign, eternal God.  The death of Jesus Christ was no accident.  It was the plan of the ages.  For He is, “The lamb slain before the foundation of the world.”

As we explore the events of that evening we learn a great deal about the character of those involved.  One thing is certain.  The character of the Lord Jesus stands in sharp contrast to those around Him.

Text: John 18:28-19:16

This is the most dramatic account of the trial of Jesus in the New Testament.  We are, in dealing with this section, on holy ground.  In the midst of all this uncertainty and confusion – the sovereign hand of the invisible God is very evident.  History was moving to a predetermined end.  I want to invite you to look closely at this section.  In particular I want you to contrast the Lord Jesus with the others mention in this text.  When you do, I am convinced that you will see that:

Thesis: The trial of Jesus serves to reveal His incomparable glory.

To read this section is almost laughable.

The very idea that these petty leaders thought that they were in control.

Look at John 18:12-13.

They “bound” Him?  They bound the eternal one?  The creator bound by His creation?  The one who spoke and the universe came into being.  The one who put the stars in place.  The one who spoke to the storm on the Sea of Galilee and said, “Hush, be still!”  This is the one they bound?  They did not bind Him.  Love bound Him.  Love for you.  Love for me.  Love for those for whom He came to redeem.  He gave himself.  He chose the way of the cross.

He was taken first to Annas the former High Priest who was the power behind the scene.  He had served as High Priest from 6 – 15 A.D. before being removed from office by the Romans.  Four of his sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas all served as High Priest.  Annas was a corrupt man who made his fortune through corruption and graft in the Temple.  In fact the shops in the Temple where you could buy sacrificial animals were called the Bazaars of Annas.  The Jews themselves hated the household of Annas.  There is a passage in the Talmud that says:  “Woe to the house of Annas!  Woe to their serpent’s hiss!”  This is the man they brought Jesus to.  Annas served as Jesus’ first questioner.  Jesus showed nothing but contempt for Annas.

From there it was on to Caiaphas then to Pilate to Herod and then back to Pilate.

As we explore this passage I ask you to look first at the Jews.

1. The Jews: the face of intense hatred and hostility.
2. Pilate: the face of cowardice and compromise.
3. Jesus: the face of sovereign authority.

Conclusion:
This is our King.  This is the savior, the Son of God.  His kingdom is not of this world.  He came to reveal the truth and those who love truth come to Him.  He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  He is the great High Priest who willingly gave His life.  He chose the way of the cross.  He chose to give His life for His sheep, those, who believe, who trust in Him.

The trails serve to reveal His incomparable glory.

Intro:
We know Him because He wants to be known.  We have understanding of God and His ways because He has graciously chosen to reveal himself to us.  How has He revealed himself?  In what ways does He make himself known?  The Psalmist tells us the heavens declare His glory.  All of creation is a revelation.  Through the creation we can know that God is powerful, that He has supreme intelligence, that He loves variety, and that He cares about the smallest detail.  But we do not know His name.  We do not know how He thinks or what He thinks of us.  Thus God has revealed himself through His word, the Bible.  Theologians call these two forms of revelation “general” and “specific” or “special” revelation.  Another way God has revealed himself is through history.  History is His story.  We do not believe in random chance.  We do not view history as an endless cycle.  Rather we see it as linear.  History is moving somewhere.  It is moving toward a point God has determined.  God is not a detached, disinterested “watchmaker” who simply watches history unfold, He is making history.  He is personally and intimately involved in the affairs of men.  History is a revelation of God.  That is the focus of our text this evening found in chapters 9 and 10 of 1 Samuel.

Text: 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16

It is a critical time in the life of the nation of Israel.
Samuel has been Judge of the people for decades.
He has been their God-appointed leader.
He is now an old man and his sons, whom he appointed judges, have proven inadequate.
The people have demanded a king like the nations around them.
Chapter 8 ends with God telling Samuel to give the people what they want.

Though their demand was from impure motive and was a clear rejection of God, God said, “Let them have their way.”  That is seldom, if ever, a good thing.  Samuel was not pleased yet he was determined to obey God.  Yet the chapter ends with Samuel sending the people away.  He told them to go back to their cities.

What is going to happen?
Are they going to get their king?
How will they get one?
When will they get one?
We are left with all kinds of questions and not even a hint of an answer!

Chapter nine opens like an entirely different story - “There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a man of wealth…”

It reads like the opening of 1 Samuel chapter 1.  Further we are told this man Kish had some missing livestock and he sent his son to look for them.  What is going on here?  We are at a crisis moment.  Tension is high.  The people have made demands.  God has said, “Make them a king.”  Why does the Spirit inspire the biblical writer to include this farm report?

Who cares about lost donkeys?
A nation is at stake.

When I first read this it reminded me of the old Monty Python show.  There would be a skit or story and then the announcer would say, “…and now for something completely different” which would be followed by something that had nothing to do with what had been going on.  That’s how this reads.  It’s how life often seems.  But we are going to find they are related.  It’s all part of one grand story.  A story that gives us insight into the character of our God.

As we work through these two chapters I want you to see that…

• Thesis: 1 Samuel 9 and 10 serve to remind us of the rule, the mercy and the sovereignty of our God.

There are 4 things to note.

1. In God’s orchestration of the events of Saul’s life we are reminded of the wonder of God’s providential leading.  (9:3-27)
2. In the opening words of chapter 10 we are struck by the kindness of God in providing assurance.  (10:1-9)
3. With God’s empowering of Saul we are encouraged by God’s faithfulness in equipping.  (10:9-13)
4. Our text closing in silence reminds us that we are not entitled to know what God is up to.  (10:14-16)

Only Saul is aware of the anointing.
Only Saul knows that he is king.
He says nothing.

So often we feel entitled.
We demand to know what is happening.
But who are we to make demands?
What right do we have?
God is God.

In this extraordinary tale of God’s sovereign work we find a revelation of God.  We come to see He reigns, He is merciful, He is faithful and He is sovereign.

This is the God we serve.
This is the God who has made himself known to us.

Intro:
Betrayal.  The word itself makes me mad.  Inherent in the word is the breaking of trust, the denial of relationship and the violation of confidence.  It is ugly, offensive and deserving of scorn.  Yet when you are betrayed by one you love the primary emotion is not hatred.  It is not anger.  It is hurt.  A deep, genuine sorrow caused by the loss of relationship.  That’s if you are the one betrayed.  When you are on the outside looking in well, that’s another matter.  I must admit when I read the text I get upset.  I just can’t believe what I’m reading.  How could he do it?  What kind of worthless degenerate are we dealing with?  How could you do that to Him after all He has done for you?  How could you be so calloused?  Have you no heart?  Have you no conscience?  Have you no decency?  After my initial burst of self-righteous indignation I then settle down and think it through.  It is then I get uncomfortable.  I start to realize that he is really no different than me.  Reflecting on the context I’m forced to consider how often I’ve been guilty of the same betrayal.  How often I’ve played the coward and practiced the fine art of denial.  Suddenly the tables are turned.  I’m no longer angry with him in fact I’m sympathetic.  I understand how difficult it must have been.  As I seek to justify his, and in turn my own, failure I am overcome with a since of shame.  Then I’m grateful, once again, for the Gospel.  I’m grateful for the love and grace of God that secured my redemption.  The grace that removes my sin and says, “You’re loved.  You’re accepted.  You’re Mine and forever will be.”  I’m grateful for the truths revealed through failure.  Our text this morning is found in John’s Gospel chapter 18 beginning with verse 12.

Text: John 18:12-27

We are marching toward the cross.
Judas has completed his treacherous work.
Our Lord is in the custody of the Jewish authorities.
Now begins the mockery of a trial that will lead, in hours, to His brutal death.
John, as he has done throughout his Gospel, provides us with another contrast.
This time the contrast of the strength of Jesus and weakness of Peter.

The fact that it is Peter who denies the Lord is part of what is so shocking about all this.  Had it been Nicodemus we would not be shocked.  He came at night and there seemed hesitancy on his part.  If he were to deny Jesus we’d  not be shocked.  If it had been the Rich Young Ruler we would not think much of it.  After all he loved the things of this world.  But Peter?  Earlier that evening Peter said, “Lord even if I must to die with you, I will never deny you!”

As we work our way through this text I want us to see that…

• Thesis: Peter’s monumental failure serves to teach us valuable truths about ourselves and our Savior.

Before we get to the lessons we can learn let’s set the scene.
Our Lord has been arrested and we begin with this mockery of a trial.

1. Peter and John (another disciple) followed the authorities and because of John’s connections were able to gain entrance to the courtyard (18:15-16).
2. Peter’s first denial - 18:17-18
3. Jesus before Annas - 18:18-24
4. Peter’s second and third denial - 18:25-27

What do we learn from this?

Peter’s failure reveals the depth of the perversion of the human heart and warns of the danger of an overconfident faith.

Peter’s failure serves to reveal the depth and the wonder of our Savior’s love.

Conclusion:
You must not walk away from this text without hearing Luke 22:31-32:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Following the resurrection Jesus said to Mary, “Go tell my disciples and Peter…” (Mark 16:7).
Then comes that passage in John 21:15 when our Lord commissions Peter, “…feed my sheep.”

Peter’s failure becomes a means for teaching us great truths about ourselves and about our Savior.  Apart from the grace of God there’s nothing we would not do - be warned.  Take heed less you fall.  Yet our Savior is a gracious merciful God whose love never fails.  That’s the Gospel.  Therein is our hope.

Intro:
No one likes to be exposed or revealed for who they really are.  At church we put on the smile and cheerfully respond, “I’m doing well, thanks for asking.”  When in reality we are, at times, dying inside.  At work we’re praying our boss never finds out how incompetent we are.  We hope our friends and neighbors never see past the facade we’ve built.  Perhaps worst of all we think maybe God hasn’t noticed the truth about us after all He’s busy running the universal why should He take not of me?  I don’t want to burst any bubbles but probably the only person you’ve fooled is you!  You’ve not been exposed because your fellow church members, your boss, neighbors and friends have their own faults they’re trying to keep under wraps.  As painful as it may be, from time to time, we need to take a good, honest look at ourselves.  We need to take a no holds barred look deep into our own souls.  The mirror through which we are to look is the Word of God.  When we look carefully into the Word we often see our own reflection.  Not the reflect we want others to see, not the reflection we are trying to create but the cold hard truth about ourselves.  Our text this evening is one of those texts.  1 Samuel chapter 8 is a mirror that reflects the true nature of Israel and in turn each of us.

Text: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

A considerable amount of time has passed between 7:17 and 8:1 (30 or more years?).  Samuel is now an old man.  He has appointed his sons Joel and Abijah as judges.  They were far from him in the south.  The problem is they were not like their father.  They did not “walk in his ways but turned aside after gain.”  They took brides and perverted justice.

Sound familiar?  Sounds an awful lot like Eli and his boys.  Why did he appoint them?  Well he was getting old.  Making the circuit became increasingly difficult.  By having his boys cover the south he would not have to travel as much and it lighted the work load.  That’s logical but by what authority did he appoint them?  Samuel was a judge.  Israel’s judges did not appoint successors.  Judges were raised up by God.  In fact there was a time when Israel wanted their judge to establish a dynasty.  They said to Gideon, “Rule over us…you and your son and your grandson also.”  Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you” (Judges 8:22-23).

Why did Samuel do it?  We don’t know why but we do know it was a colossal failure!  Samuel’s sons were no better than Eli’s.  That brings us to a proposal from Israel’s elders and that is the heart of our text.

Their proposal seems logical.  It seemed like a reasonable means for bringing security and stability but as we will discover…

Thesis: Israel’s demand for a king, like the other nations, exposes the depth of human depravity.

There are two reasons for why I say that.

1. Israel’s demand exposes our penchant for substitutes.  (8:5-8)
2. Israel’s demand exposes disdain for holiness.  (8:5, 19-20)

Conclusion:
1 Samuel chapter 8 is a mirror.  It reveals Israel and you.  It shows how easily you misplace your trust; how ashamed you are to be different; how resistant you are to any word that does not agree with your opinion.  You are exposed.  And that is a good thing.  Because exposure leads to repentance and faith.

Intro:
It’s not hard to find people who “believe in Jesus.”  For the most part, people feel pretty good about Him.  The problem, of course, is believe in what Jesus? Or Which Jesus?  The Jesus who was a “spiritual man” with great insight?  The Jesus who was a revolutionary who consistently thought outside the box and was a threat to the establishment?  The Jesus of the Muslim faith, the Mormon Church or the Jehovah Witness?  Or the Jesus of their own making?  Just which Jesus are we talking about?  That is an important question because there are eternal consequences to the answer to that question.  The Jesus of most people’s thinking is very one dimensional.  To most he seems to be an innocuous figure who is a bit effeminate, mild-mannered and other-worldly.  For others he is the original radical bent on overthrowing the establishment.  I wish I could say these mischaracterizations all came from outside the church but they don’t.  Many within the church love and serve a Jesus of their own making who bears little or no resemblance to the Jesus of the Bible.  I know this because when you talk to people and ask them about Jesus the thing that seems constant is that there is a feeling that He is “safe.”  He is comfortable, like a favorite shirt, well worn.  But even a casual reading of the Scripture should make it clear that He is anything but safe.  Yes, He is the lamb of God but He is also the lion of Judah.  He is the Good Shepherd but He is also The Conquering King.  The Jesus of the Bible is complex and complicated.  He is fully God and yet fully man.  He is divine yet human.  Not half and half as the gods of mythology, rather He is fully both.  He is the creator of everything that exists yet He was born of a woman and became part of His creation.  He was the bread of life and yet He got hungry.  He had life in His being yet He became weary.  There is mystery here and unanswered questions.  We like things in neat packages.  Everything is always where it is supposed to be.  Our Lord doesn’t like boxes.  Try as you might you will not be able to fit Him in one.  Nowhere is the complicated, paradoxical nature of our Lord more fully on display than at the events surrounding His arrest.  Our text this morning is found in the 18th chapter of John’s Gospel.

Text: John 18:1-12

Albert Schweitzer published a book in 1906 entitled, The Quest for the Historical Jesus.  His goal was to discover the real Jesus as opposed to the Jesus of legend created by the church.  For Schweitzer the real Jesus was a mere man caught up in the delusional expectation of a coming kingdom of God.  His Jesus sought to force the issue by making wild claims and seeking to hasten the coming of the kingdom of God through political means.  Sadly Jesus was crushed by the wheel of history.  Schweitzer’s Jesus dies a mistaken idealist who was confused, despairing and rejected.  According to Schweitzer the historical Jesus’ great contribution to mankind was to rid us of the delusional hope of a coming kingdom!

Keep Schweitzer’s Jesus in mind as we read our text and you tell me if his Jesus bears any resemblance to the one set forth by John.

We, the church, are called to proclaim the message of Jesus.  Not the Jesus of our own imagination.  Not the Jesus of our own intellect or design but the Jesus revealed to us in the Scriptures.

Thesis: A biblical understanding of Jesus demands that we see in Him the strength and terror of divine majesty combined with the comfort and assurance of humble obedience and sacrificial devotion.

We seldom see these things in combination.  Sovereignty and humility generally do not go together.  In our world strength and humility are not compatible.  But in the person of the Lord Jesus it all fits.

When we see Him as He is - we cannot help but fall down before Him in worship.
It is the only logical response to His person.
Our natural response will be to pull back in fear while, at the same time, feeling drawn to Him.

There are two things I want us to note from our text.

1. Our Lord exercised sovereign control over the events of that fateful night.  (18:1-9)
2. Our Sovereign Lord lovingly and humbly chose the path of obedience.  (18:10-12)

Conclusion:
Gethsemane was no tragedy.  It was the triumph of divine majesty and humble obedience as our Lord began His march to the cross.  If you want to understand the Jesus of the Bible you must see both His terrifying majesty and His humble obedience.  You must stand in awe of His majestic power and His sacrificial devotion.

Ground on the wheel of history?  No, He is turning the wheel of history.  This is the Jesus we are called to proclaim and this is the Jesus before whom you must bow.

Intro:

I’m the youngest of three boys – that means I might as well have had a target painted on my shirt - a big bull’s eye right here!  I was teased without mercy.  I was the constant butt of ridicule.  My brothers and all their friends used to call me Carbondale Fats.  Once a neighbor overheard me singing to myself in the backyard.  Of course he told everybody so the chant became, “Hey Carbondale, sing us a little ditty.”  Add to the mixture that I was, to put it kindly, gullible as a kid.  Whether it was the perfect stooge to take on a snipe hunt or the idiot child eating hot peppers all afternoon as my oldest brother assured me each time – “This one’s not hot like those others.”

A kid can only take so much.  I used to lie awake at night dreaming about how I could get even.  I plotted and planned how I would get everyone.  Some days they would set me off and I would fly into them with a rage.  My brother would hold me at arms length and laugh while I wore myself out.  A scene not unlike the one described by the Psalmist in Psalm 2.

Text: Psalm 2:1-12

The book of Psalms is a collection of songs – expressing the hopes, dreams and faith of the people of God.

Actually our one book is a collection of five books!
1-41
42-72
73-89
90-106
107-150

Throughout the Psalms we find the full range of emotions.
There is joy and fear; heartache and rejoicing; anger and comfort – it’s all there.
The Psalms are “real”; there is an earthiness about them.
This is where we live.
Perhaps that is why so many of us are drawn to them.

There has been some disagreement among OT scholars as to whether Psalm 2 is a Messianic Psalm.  A Psalm that speaks of Messiah.  Modern scholarship tends to say this is a Psalm is a “coronation psalm.”  One that deals with the coronation of an earthly king.  One who sits on the throne of David.  Perhaps David himself or one of his descendants.  I’m convinced that there is compelling evidence that it is in fact a Messianic Psalm dealing with the reign of the Lord Jesus – “God’s Anointed.”

Scholars will point to similarities in 2 Samuel 7:5-16.
The similarities with this passage are found in the last section from 11-16.
Scholars agree the focus of this section is on the Messiah – the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.

Not to mention that the NT explicitly connects this passage with the Lord Jesus.
At his baptism – Mt. 3:17; Mk. 1:11; Lk. 3:32
Acts 4:24-27; 13:32-33
Hebrews 1:5; 5:5
Rev. 1:5; 2:27; 11:16-18; 12:5

There is also some evidence among various Rabbis and in the early Greek manuscripts of the Psalms that Psalm 1 & 2 were once considered 1 Psalm!  Begins (1:1) and ends (2:12) with blessing.  The rebellion of the nations against God is the outgrowth of walking, standing and sitting.  That God’s Anointed is the perfect fulfillment of the “blessed believer.”

Reading this from the perspective of a Messianic Psalm we discover that:

Thesis: The righteous reign of Christ seals the fate of the wicked while offering hope to the repentant.

There are three things I want you to note in the development of this Psalm.

1. The wicked arrogantly plot to overthrow God’s Sovereign rule.  (2:1-3)
2. The Sovereign Lord dismisses the vain plots of the wicked and declares the reign of His Anointed.  (2:4-9)
3. The Sovereign God graciously warns the wicked and offers hope to the repentant.  (2:10-12)

Intro:
Have you ever lost hope?  Have you ever been in the midst of a situation when there appeared there was nothing you could do?  Overwhelmed you just threw up you hands and said, “I quit?”  As far as you could tell there was no reason for going on.  You were just too tired to care and besides it just wasn’t worth the effort.  Have you been there?  Are you there now?  The loss of hope is a devastating thing.  Hopeless people do desperate things.  Hopelessness and despair are major killers.  Hope isn’t just something that helps us over the hurdle – it is essential to life.  Hope is necessary for survival.  Without hope life is a dark and grim existence.  Studies have shown that this time of year is one of the most depressing.  For all the talk of “Christmas cheer” and the joy of the season – vast numbers of people find the Christmas season unbearable.  How ironic that there would be such despair during the celebration of life’s coming to earth!  That is what Christmas is all about.  A world wrapped in death and heartache was awakened by the arrival of the Creator come to redeem for himself a people for his own glory.  The good news announced that night on the starlit plains of Bethlehem was that a Savior had been born who is Christ the Lord.

The Creator had stepped into his creation to fix what had been broken.  His birth was not like ours – his was an advent, a coming.  And he came on a mission.  The joy, laughter and celebration of Christmas means nothing apart from the meaning and purpose of his coming.  The angel said to Joseph, “You are to call his name Jesus for he will save his people.”  He came to rescue us.  He came to deliver us.  He came to give us hope.  If I’m ever stuck in an elevator and I push that button and tell them I’m in car number 6 in building number 3 – I’m not interested in feeling a hand on my shoulder and a fellow passenger say, “I feel your pain.”  I want to hear a voice from outside that car say, “We know where you are.  We are working on it now and we will have you out in 5 minutes.”  It’s nice to have someone who shares your burden it is better to have someone who gives you hope.

Webster defines hope as:
“A desire accompanied by an expectation.”
“A belief in fulfillment.”
“To expect with confidence.”

In an increasingly despairing world where are we going to find hope?  War rages.  Threats abound.  Cherished beliefs are mocked.  Traditional values crumble.  Our once dominant worldview is marginalized.  Where do we turn?  Well we find some help from a wise old man.  He wasn’t a king or philosopher.  He was not a sage or guru.  He was a fisherman.  A man who traveled the road of despair but joyously found a way out.  His name was Peter.  Our text this morning is found in 1 Peter chapter 1.

Text: 1 Peter 1:3-12
This time of year provides us a great opportunity.  It gives us an opportunity to tell others why we sing, why we celebrate, why we have hope.  And it is not in a general feeling of goodwill.  It is not because of a jolly old man in a red suit.  Let’s face it, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer might make for an enjoyable evening but when the doctor says, “We’ve got to operate and it doesn’t look good” – Rudolf’s not going to sustain you!  When that envelop that you thought contained your Christmas bonus turns out to be your “pink slip” – “Have a Holly, Jolly, Christmas” will not lift your spirits.

What is it that will sustain you?
What is it that will grant you peace of mind and heart during the darkest night?
What enables you to stand firm when all hell breaks loose?

It is the knowledge that we are not alone.  That unto us has been born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.  Not just a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger but one who grew to manhood; lived a sinless life; perfectly obeyed God’s law; and then gave himself for your sin and your rebellion and offers you life eternal and abundant.

Peter was a follower of Jesus.
He came to Jesus through the efforts of his brother Andrew.
He was a mixture of courage and daring yet he lacked consistency.
He was quick to speak but often slow to think!
On the night our Lord was betrayed Peter pledged to “die for him.”
Yet before the evening was over he denied even knowing him.

It is hard to imagine Peter’s pain as a result of denying Jesus.
Immediately he went out and wept bitterly.
We can only imagine the pain of seeing his Lord crucified.
The despair of seeing his lifeless body limp on the cross.
And then came that word – “I am alive.  Go.  Tell my disciples and Peter.”

Hope was reborn in the heart of that despairing, defeated disciple.
Now, years later, as an old man he is writing to believers in the face of despair.
Persecution, pain and suffering await them.
Peter says to these hurting, struggling believers, “There is hope.”

The words of Peter echo through the centuries bringing encouragement and life to embattled believers today.  His words, inspired of the Holy Spirit remind us that:

Thesis: Hope is the birthright of the child of God.
Regardless of your circumstance, regardless of how dark your world may seem – there is hope.  Hang on.  Only believe.  I know that sounds simplistic.  And I’m not talking about “positive thinking” or “possibility thinking”.  I’m talking about biblical thinking.  I’m not suggesting that you “suck it up” and just get on with it.  I’m asking you to remember what is yours because of Christ!  I know there are those who do not believe that “doctrine” is practical.  I know there are those who prefer messages that deal with “real life issues” but consider this.  Peter is writing to a group of folks who are in desperate times.  Facing life and death issues and he begins by making a profound doctrinal statement about the nature of salvation!  And by the way he doesn’t talk to them about salvation because they are going to need it after they die – but because they are going to need it in order to live!

There are four things I want you to see related to our hope in Christ.

1. Our hope is anchored in God’s gracious work of redemption.  (1:3-5)
2. Our hope is fortified through adversity.  (1:6-7)
3. Our hope is secured by saving faith.  (1:8-9)
4. Our hope has been the focus of God’s progressive revelation.  (1:10-12)

Intro:
It is an overwhelming task.  There are now 6,750 identified people groups listed as “unreached.”  That means that less than 2% of the population is evangelical Christian of any stripe.  Of those unreached 3,684 are listed as “unengaged.”  That means there is gospel work being done in their midst.  These are people who’ve never heard the simple story of Jesus.  Many living lives of quiet desperation in the face of famine, disease, war and genocide.  West Africa alone has more than 150 million lost people.  That 150 million is broken down into 1,612 people groups speaking 1,100 different languages.  Currently Southern Baptists have 242 missionaries working in the midst of that population of 150 million.  That is one missionary for every 619,834 people!

We are a mission people.  We were born “on mission.”  Missions has always been at the heart of who we are.  Evangelism and missions is said to be the life- blood of the SBC.  Through the Cooperative Program we have 4,952 missionaries serving around the world.  Last year Southern Baptist established 29,237 new churches, baptized 360,876 people.  Our churches impact the globe every day.  11% of our undesignated gifts go directly to the Cooperative Program impacting the work of the gospel here in Oklahoma, across our nation and around the world.  Just last week we began our emphasis on the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.  We believe in missions.  But why do we believe in missions?  What is it that motivates us to be on mission?  Why should you care?  Why should you give sacrificially to this offering?  One great reason - we desire to display the glory of our God throughout the world!

When you think of “mission texts” what texts come to mind?
Do you think of the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20?
Perhaps you think of Acts 1:8.

I’m not a betting man, but if I were, I’d be willing to bet when you think of missions you think New Testament.  We are New Testament believers and understandably we tend to focus there.  I remember my grandmother saying, “Oh yeah, that’s in the Old Bible” when she was referring to the Old Testament.  We have a tendency to think that God thought “locally” in the Old Testament and that he thinks “globally” in the New.  God thought only in terms of Israel in the Old Testament and thinks in terms of the world in the New Testament.  But our God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

It is true that God singled out a people, the Jews, in the Old Testament to enter into a unique relationship.  But that was not to the exclusion of all other peoples.  Yes Israel had great privileges but with those privileges came great responsibility.  And they were not to keep the revelation of God to themselves.  Missions is not a New Testament concept.  It is a biblical concept.  Abraham was told that his seed, singular, would be a blessing to the nations of the earth.  Jonah, the prophet of God was called to go and preach to the people of Nineveh.  In fact a great revival came to that wicked city after Jonah finally arrived via the belly of a great fish!

This morning I want us to consider a great mission text found in Old Testament.

Text: Psalm 67:1-7

You know it never fails.  When I’m interested in a certain text or have questions – when I go to the commentaries they have little or no information on the text I’m interested in!  Psalm 67 is one of those texts.  Very few commentators spend much time on it.  In fact Martin Luther skipped this psalm entirely in his commentary.  He wrote 5 volumes on the Psalms but did not address Psalm 67.

Yet I’m convinced there is a valuable lesson in this Psalm for us.
Keep in mind we are looking at Israel’s hymnbook.
These words where given by the Spirit of God to be sung back to God in worship.

In this Psalm we learn that…

Thesis: Worship and missions are inseparably and essentially linked.

Remember the context of the birth of the mission movement – Acts 13?
The church was in worship when the Spirit of God set apart Barnabas and Saul.

John Piper says the goal of history is the worship of God – therefore missions exist because worship does not!  There are people around the world who do not actively engage in the worship of God.  How can they worship a God they do not know?  And how can they know unless there is a preacher?  How will there be a preacher unless we go?  Worship and missions are inseparably linked.

Alexander Maclaren says of this psalm, “This psalm is a truly missionary psalm, in its clear anticipation of the universal spread of the knowledge of God, in its firm grasp of the thought that the Church has its blessings in order to evangelize the world, and in its intensity of longing that from all the ends of the earth a shout of praise may go up to the God who has sent some rays of his light into them all, and committed to his people the task of carrying a brighter illumination to every land.”

Spurgeon commented that, “The great theme of the psalm is the participation of the Gentiles in the worship of Jehovah.”

The hymn is divided into three stanzas.

1. Through worship we seek God’s favor in order to be a blessing to the peoples of the earth.  (67:1-2)
2. A genuine encounter with God imparts a passion to see others come to a saving knowledge of Christ.  (67:3-5)
3. Our overwhelming passion is to be God’s glory above all else.  (67:6-7)

What Can You Do?

• You can go – long term, short term, mission trip – opportunities available.  Can you say with certainty, “God has not called me to give my life to mission service?”  Who knows but that sitting in this service this morning is the person that God will use to open to the door to some distant unreached people?
• You can also recognize that you live in a mission field. One of the great foreign mission fields right now is the college campus!
• You can give – Lottie Moon, – your tithe. Give enthusiastically, joyfully to the work of God.  If you cannot go – you can make it possible for others to go.
• You can pray –
• What you cannot do – remain indifferent.

God grant that we become passionate about missions.  That we come to the point we are so enamored with the glory of our God we will not rest until the world joins us in praise to his glorious name.

Intro:
It is a common misperception.  “The God of the Old Testament is an angry, vengeful God.”  When you have a defective view of both God and man such a misperception is understandable.  If you do not fully comprehend what it means to say that God is holy and that man is sinful you will naturally mischaracterize both God and man.  Too often when we say man is “sinful” we think of a lovable, bumbling character who makes some bad decisions.  When we think of God as holy we think of Him as rigid and unyielding.  If you think in those terms then you will misread a passage like 1 Samuel 6.  The Ark is returned to Israel the people rejoice, make sacrifice and then God kills 70 men because they “looked” at the Ark!  That seems a bit rigid.  That seems to be an over reaction.  But there is more to this story.  There are other issues in play.  Though there is much death and destruction in the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, it is actually the story of God’s grace.

In fact as we work through this evening’s text we are going to discover that…

Thesis: 1 Samuel chapter 7 reminds us of God’s gracious, merciful dealings with His wayward people.

Let’s make sure we put the passage in context.
This overlaps the period of the Judges - “When every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
There was great wickedness and corruption throughout the land.
Much of it in Shiloh - in the house of God!
Eli’s boys, Hophni and Phenihas were “worthless” men, who did not know God.
The priests were corrupt!
They showed contempt for the things of God.
They used the House of God as a brothel.
There was a famine of the Word of God.

Israel went to war against their archenemy, the Philistines and was routed.
They asked, “Why has God done this to us?”
They brought up the Ark of the Covenant and said, “It will deliver us.”
They treated the Ark as if it were a “rabbit’s foot.”
They were routed again, 30,000 men died, the army fled, Hophni and Phenihas died and the Ark was captured.

When word reached Shiloh - Eli, dropped dead, Mrs. Phenihas went into labor and died from childbirth and with her dying breath asked, “Where is the glory of God?”

These were dark days in Israel.

Meanwhile - things weren’t so good in the land of the Philistines.
Dagon was humiliated.
A plague broke out.
The hand of the Lord was heavy on the people.
It was a miserable 7 months.
They sent the Ark back to Israel along with a guilt or trespass offering.

God brought judgment on the people of Beth-shemesh.
They should have known better.
Leviticus and Numbers gave clear instruction about sacrifice and handling the Ark.
Instructions that were ignored.
A burnt offering was to be a male without spot or blemish
They sacrificed two milk cows
The Ark was never to be touched
They took it off the cart
They put it in place
It was never to be looked upon (it was to be covered)
They looked upon it

If you are going to act like Philistines don’t be surprised when you get treated like Philistines!

The folks at Beth-shemesh said, “This Ark needs to go somewhere else.”
It was taken to Kiriath-jearim to the house of Abinadab.
It would stay there until David has it brought to Jerusalem (about a 100 years later)!
It seems their attitude was, “out of sight, out of mind.”

At least that’s how it reads to me beginning at 7:2: From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

As we work our way through the 17 verses of this chapter I want you to note a progression.  I think there is something for us to learn from this passage about the nature of God and how He deals with His wayward people.

How does God deal with His people when they fall into sin?
When corruption consumes, how does He respond?

3 things.

1. In response to our desperate, belated cries, God’s mercy allows for full restoration.  (7:2-6)
2. Such a restoration brings a renewed sense of humility and an attitude of complete dependence.  (7:7-11)
3. Humble dependence allows for a settled rest and increased sanctification.  (7:12-17)